Well, in Pittsburgh on Sunday night, they were definitely celebrating the good news out of Tampa. But the following morning, just 65 miles northeast of Steel City, a little groundhog name of Punxsutawney Phil actually had some BAD news to deliver – six more weeks of winter. (Geez, like we were really surprised at this point?) Anyway, as yet another public service from all of us at the QUEENS LEDGER - BROOKLYN STAR Newspaper Group to you, our loyal readers, we figured now was as good a time as any to help you out with a couple of “BEST WAYS FOR US TO BEAT THE COLD.” (But if we’re talking “BEST WAYS TO BEAT THE STEELERS,” you know what – I’m not so sure anymore.)

Beauty Rest

A lot of the unsolved mysteries of life are probably locked up deep inside whatever happens to us when we sleep. Needless to say, some of the greatest restorative powers the human body can benefit from are those derived from getting forty winks. Since our ability to manage the cold weather is all about our circulation, then we need all-systems-go!, and our immune system, nervous system, respiratory, even endocrine, all functioning as close to the factory-default setting as we can possibly muster.

Three-Square

Again, all-systems-go! Especially circulation. Eating at regular intervals (and well-balanced meals at that) ensures our body that all of the nutrients we need to do battle with the elements are going to be right there at the ready for us. Okay, maybe it’s a little corny, but it’s pretty clear that generations and generations of Chicken Soup-toting Moms sure as heck knew what they were talking about.

“Layer” It On

As the mercury starts to dip again, you ought to be wearing loose, lightweight, warm clothing in several layers. The reason: trapped air between the layers acts as an insulator. And as the temperature rises (and so does yours!), layers can simply be removed to avoid perspiration and subsequent chill. For best results, your outer garments should be tightly woven, water repellent, and hooded. Hey, you think Eminem ever looks cold in “8 MILE”? Not in the slightest, people.

Where’s Your Hat?!

You have absolutely got to wear a hat since scientists estimate that an uncovered head is capable of transmitting almost half – that’s right, 50% – of the body’s body heat, and rather quickly at that. So yes, once again, Mom was right – don’t forget your hat. (And by the way, please don’t ever give yourself the impression that a baseball cap is actually a hat – alright, guys?)

“Extreme” Protection

And while we’re at it, it’s not just hats. There’s also hands and feet needing protection, and basically anything else exposed to the elements. The more of you that’s covered, the better off you’ll be. And here’s a couple of tips for you, if you don’t mind our continued meddling – cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs from extreme cold. And mittens, snug at the wrist, are better than gloves, because fingers maintain more warmth when they touch each other. Oh please, like you already knew that.

Stay Loose

Better to keep your layers of clothing loose, loose, loose. Your shirts, your pants, your socks. Yeah, that’s probably one of the worst things in colder weather – when your socks are too tight. Too-tight socks can restrict blood circulation within your lower extremities. And as you may or may not know, as your lower extremities go, so goes your body. If that weren’t the case, do you really think they’d have that icon on your car’s auto heater showing you how to direct airflow towards your legs?

Coffee, Tea, or…

Anti-Freeze

First off, your instinct is probably: cold weather/hot coffee, right? (But come on, be honest – when were your instincts ever any good?) Anyway, caffeinated beverages – coffee, tea, soda, even chocolate – and those containing alcohol (yep, sorry), really mess with our circulation and diminish our body’s capacity to keep ourselves properly warm. The best elixir? It’s good old-fashioned H2O, the number one health answer for just about anything that ails us.

Go Back Inside

When in doubt – don’t stay out! Okay, sorry to over-state the obvious here, but what we mean is… take short breaks. If you need to do errands, duck inside for a bit here and there, that’s all. You’d be surprised how even just a few moments of warmth can rejuvenate you enough to take another crack at the great outdoors. And as always, good luck with that!